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122
APR 16, 2026 · NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA · CITY COUNCIL
New Orleans City Council Committee Meeting – Board/Commission Appointments and Temporary Alcohol Permits – April 16, 2026

The New Orleans City Council committee met on April 16, 2026, with a quorum of four members present (Councilmembers Morel, Harris, Green, and Hees; Councilmember McCarran later participated). The meeting focused on approving minutes, considering multiple board and commission appointments, and debating amendments to temporary alcohol beverage permit rules. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 17, 2026): Moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded. Approved 4-0. Discussion Items - Board and Commission Appointments: Each candidate introduced themselves, their background, and reasons for serving. Councilmembers expressed support and highlighted the importance of the respective boards. All appointments were approved and forwarded to the full council for confirmation. - Sandra Lombana Lindquist (President/CEO, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce) to Audubon Commission – Moved by Harris, seconded. Vote 4-0. - Britney Major (President/CEO, Major Services) to Audubon Commission – Moved by Hughes, seconded by Harris. Vote 4-0. - Penny Francis (Owner, Eclectic Home) to Audubon Commission – Moved, seconded. Vote 4-0. - Tanya Boyd Cannon (Educator, Founder, Rise My Child Foundation) to New Orleans Recreation and Development Commission (NORD) – Expressed passion for youth and seniors. Councilmember Hughes emphasized NORD serves all ages. Moved, seconded by McCarron. Vote 5-0. - Lamar Garder (Executive Director, The Data Center) to Finance Authority of New Orleans (FANO) – Stressed homeownership gains. Moved by Harris, seconded by Hughes. Vote 5-0. - Kevin Wynne (35-year banking veteran) to New Orleans Loan Authority – Councilmember Hughes recused himself as Wynne is his blood uncle. Vote 4-0 with one recusal. - John Malazzo (former credit union president) to FANO – Return member. Councilmember Harris thanked him and noted the housing trust fund. Moved by Hughes, seconded by Harris. Vote 5-0. - Sion Quiet Smith (compliance and operations experience) to Ethics Review Board – Vote 5-0. - Nick Harris (former Dillard University employee, city federal programs) to Ethics Review Board – Vote 5-0. - Boris Vijay (President/CEO, Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana) to Ethics Review Board – Vote 5-0. - Cheryl Sims Taplin (Shareholder, Lisco & Lewis law firm) to Ethics Review Board – Vote 4-0. - Savitri Wilson Taylor (former secretary of Baton Rouge DDD) to Downtown Development District – Councilmember Hughes praised her. Moved by Hughes, seconded. Vote 5-0. - Ronald P. McLean (Executive Director, Institute of Mental Hygiene) to Sandy Kresnoff New Orleans Criminal Justice Council – Emphasized crime prevention and victim support. Vote 5-0. - Honorable Bernadette Johnson (former Chief Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court) to New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) – Expressed focus on blight, especially Plaza Tower and Lindy Boggs facility. Councilmembers Green, Harris, and Hughes lauded her service and discussed NORA’s role in housing and economic development. Vote 5-0. - Temporary Alcohol Beverage Permits: Councilmember discussed amendments to streamline the temporary permit process. Key changes: permit duration extended from 60 to 90 days; zoning review within 10 days; finance occupational license issuance reduced from 10 to 5 calendar days; entire process capped at 15 days; automatic grant (still requiring council approval) if not acted on in 15 days; written denial reasons within 5 days; appeal to CAO within 15 days. The temporary provisions sunset in 2027. Councilmember Austin thanked council and administration. Vote 4-0. The item will be further amended at the full council meeting. Key Outcomes - All 14 board/commission appointments were approved unanimously (with one recusal) and forwarded to the full council. - The temporary alcohol beverage permit ordinance amendments were approved 4-0, with additional amendments expected at the full council meeting. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 AM after a motion by Councilmember Green, seconded by Councilmember McCarron, vote 5-0.

PROCEDURAL 65% · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 10% · PARKS AND RECREATION 9% · YOUTH PROGRAMS 6%
123
APR 15, 2026 · NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA · CITY COUNCIL
New Orleans City Council Utilities Committee Meeting on DER Program and Arbitration Appeals - April 15, 2026

The New Orleans City Council's Joint Utility, Cable, Telecommunications Technology, and Climate Change Sustainability Committee met on April 15, 2026, to consider several items including a resolution extending the discovery period for the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) program (Neighborhood Power Plan), an ordinance updating utility rules on ex parte communications, and two arbitration appeals from the Sewerage and Water Board. The meeting included extensive public testimony on the DER program incentive levels. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the December 2025 joint utility committee meeting (passed unanimously by roll call). Note: The transcript references "December 2010, 2025" which appears to be a typo; the date is reported as December 2025 as context suggests. Public Comments & Testimony - Natalie Jordy (Together New Orleans) presented on the need for local, grid-tied, resilient power (LGR), emphasizing that distance from power sources creates vulnerability and high costs. She highlighted the Neighborhood Power Plan as a solution. - Broad Bagger (Together New Orleans) argued that the proposed upfront incentives are insufficient, citing a gap of $5,600 for low-income households and $7,100 for others, with payback periods exceeding asset life. He recommended raising ongoing incentives and removing caps. - Deborah Salvador (Community Church Unitarian Universalists) spoke as a community lighthouse operator, supporting the plan to expand backup power locations. - Brandon Dubos (homeowner) noted upfront cost as a barrier to battery adoption. - Jesse George (Alliance for Affordable Energy) thanked the council for procedural clarity. - Margaret Washington (resident, New Orleans East) emphasized the need for neighborhood power plants for medical devices (CPAP) and health safety during outages. - Jeff Canton (Solar Alternatives) supported the program, citing reliability and experience. - Christopher Walker (Grid Alternatives) advocated for free battery systems for low-income residents, calibrated incentives, and income eligibility at or below 80% AMI. - Douglas Malançon (homeowner with solar) supported the program. - Becky Merriweather (resident) urged adequate upfront incentives, equalized commercial/residential ongoing incentives, and council accountability. - Sean Moses (pastor, former Together New Orleans board member) supported the plan and urged consideration of data from Together New Orleans. - Calvin Lawrence (resident) called for local hiring, prevailing wages, and apprenticeship programs. - Larry Morgan (resident) demanded the council serve the people and address battery pricing. - Morgan Clevinger (resident, 7th ward) highlighted distrust of Entergy, cited past solar program failures, and advocated for accessible incentives for middle-class residents as well. - Two online comments were read: Patricia Bernstein (demanded grid improvements) and Sharonda Williams (on behalf of Entergy New Orleans) argued that Entergy's implementation plan is compliant with the December 2025 resolution, cost-neutral using settlement credits, and that Together New Orleans' proposal would shift costs to non-participating customers. Discussion Items - DER Program Resolution: Council advisors Bobby Mason and Basil Udo presented background on the DER program, noting the council's December 2025 resolution (R25669) approved a pilot with upfront incentives, 40% LMI set-aside, and ongoing incentives. The current resolution addresses three issues: extending discovery to May 26, 2026, to evaluate TNO's new proposals; directing Entergy to file a supplemental implementation plan by May 26; and setting a comprehensive comment deadline of June 22, 2026. Councilmember Willard expressed concern that upfront incentives may be insufficient for LMI participation. Councilmember Green emphasized customer eligibility and protections. The resolution passed unanimously (5-0). - Ordinance Calendar 35422 (Chapter 158): This ordinance updates utility rules, including ex parte communication provisions. Public comment by Broad Bagger (Together New Orleans) supported the intent but noted that current interpretation has been overly restrictive, preventing constructive conversations. The ordinance was moved and seconded, and passed unanimously (5-0). - Arbitration Appeals: Two appeals from Sewerage and Water Board billing disputes (Michael Stevens and Ms. Moliere). The committee voted unanimously to uphold the arbitrators' decisions in both cases after a brief overview and public comment from Larry Morgan about high water bills. Key Outcomes - Approved DER program resolution to extend discovery and comment periods (vote: 5-0). - Approved ordinance updating utility rules, including ex parte communication policy (vote: 5-0). - Voted to uphold arbitration decisions for Michael Stevens and Ms. Moliere (both 5-0). - Committee adjourned.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 36% · ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 34% · PROCEDURAL 14% · ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 5%
124
APR 14, 2026 · NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA · CITY COUNCIL
New Orleans Public Works Committee Meeting on Water, Sewer, and Sanitation Contracts - April 14, 2026

The Committee on Public Works, Sanitation, and the Environment met on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM. The meeting included a comprehensive monthly operational update from the Sewage and Water Board, discussions on water main repairs, lead service line replacement, sewer issues in the Dwyer Canal, and a major sanitation contract amendment for the French Quarter and Downtown Development District. Public comments were heard, and multiple actions were taken. Consent Calendar - Adoption of the minutes from the March 10, 2026, meeting and the joint utilities committee meeting on March 18, 2026. Approved unanimously with no nays. Sewage and Water Board Monthly Operational Update - Water System: General Superintendent Caitlin Timmerick reported completion of 30-inch valve replacements at Spruce/Carrollton and Magnolia/Cades, repair of the 20-inch water main at Burgundy and Deslonde in the Lower Ninth Ward, and ongoing work on the 48-inch main at South Claiborne and Third Street, which may take several months. The immediate action plan includes condition assessments, an RFI for emerging technologies, and development of near-term priorities. - Lead Service Line Replacement: An additional $66 million loan is in closing from the LDH state revolving fund, bringing total allocated to Orleans Parish to $1.454 billion. Senate Bill 268 and Senate Bill 228 have been introduced to allow public funding on private property. CDM Smith was selected as program manager. Councilmembers urged targeted communication with households. - Dwyer Canal Investigation: Sewer discharges into the canal have been investigated since December 2025. Smoke and dye testing identified seven defects on Galahad Street, with additional testing on other streets. Water quality samples from February through April showed fecal coliform levels ranging from non-detect to nearly 250 coliform units per 100 mL, with some decreases. Signs were posted at seven locations on April 13, 2026. Councilmember King expressed concern about the timeline and urged proactive public notification. - Drainage System: Canal cleaning covers 66 miles of open canal (850 acres), currently cut about 3.5 times per year. Vegetation removal is needed and the board is exploring mechanical options. Drainage Pump Station 15 pipe replacement is underway, with crews installing new pipe to protect the Industrial Canal levee. - Financial System Transition: A new cloud-based Oracle financial system went live on February 7, 2026, replacing a 37-year-old mainframe. Six of seven core modules are operational; budgeting goes live in June. Public Comments & Testimony (on Item 4A) - Multiple speakers strongly supported extending the Ivy Waste contract, citing dramatic improvements in French Quarter cleanliness, odor reduction, and professional service. Speakers included residents, business owners, clergy, and representatives from the Lakeshore Property Owners Association and the Patio Planters of Vieux Carré. Some speakers raised concerns about transparency and the contract process, including Chris Lang, who noted discrepancies between the March 26 and April 9 versions of the amendment and questioned the lack of public scrutiny. Troy Henry (representing Rich's Disposal) argued the extension circumvents ongoing litigation and that the city should respect the judicial process. Sydney Torres, owner of Ivy Waste, thanked the council and emphasized no change in pricing except a standard CPI adjustment. Discussion Items - Item 4B – Amendment No. 6 to Mop McDonald LLC: This amendment extended the contract for engineering design and construction administration services for roadway improvements on Cantas Street by one year to allow billing for final design submittal. The cost was approximately $23,000. Adopted unanimously. - Item 4A – Amendment No. 1 to Ivy Waste LLC: Director of Sanitation Matt Torrey presented the amendment to extend the contract for Area 5 (French Quarter and DDD) by three six-month options (18 months total), through December 22, 2027. The annual cost is approximately $6 million, with an estimated 4% CPI increase in 2027. He clarified that the contract maximum includes a 10% contingency for unplanned events. Councilmember King questioned the CPI adjustment and confirmed it applies to all sanitation contracts. Councilmembers discussed the contract's history, performance, and the need for transparency. Following public comment, a motion to adopt was made and seconded. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar adopted unanimously. - Amendment No. 6 (Mop McDonald) adopted unanimously. - Amendment No. 1 (Ivy Waste) was moved and seconded; the committee approved it without objection and the meeting adjourned.

WATER AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT 38% · ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 33% · SANITATION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 11% · PROCEDURAL 5%
126
APR 8, 2026 · NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA · CITY COUNCIL
City Council Meeting Summary - April 8, 2026

This meeting of the City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM. Discussions focused on budget allocations for infrastructure, a proposed zoning amendment for mixed-use development, and public safety updates. The council heard public testimony and deliberated on key items before reaching decisions. Public Comments & Testimony - Several residents expressed support for increased funding for road repairs, citing safety concerns. - A local business owner opposed the zoning amendment, arguing it could lead to increased traffic congestion. - Representatives from the Green Spaces Coalition voiced opposition to any budget cuts to park maintenance, emphasizing the importance of community green areas. Discussion Items - Infrastructure Budget: Mayor Johnson presented a proposal to allocate $2 million for road resurfacing and bridge inspections. Councilmembers debated the prioritization of projects, with some advocating for additional funding for sidewalk repairs. - Zoning Amendment: A proposal to rezone a parcel on Elm Street for mixed-use development was discussed. Councilmember Smith raised concerns about density and parking requirements, while Councilmember Lee supported the amendment as a way to boost local business. - Public Safety Report: Police Chief Davis reported a 10% decrease in property crime over the past quarter. Councilmembers commended the department but requested more data on response times. Key Outcomes - The council voted 5-2 to approve the $2 million infrastructure budget, with Councilmembers Taylor and Brown dissenting. - The zoning amendment was referred back to the Planning Commission for further study on traffic impacts, with a 4-3 vote. - The council directed the Police Department to provide a detailed response time analysis by the next meeting.

128
APR 2, 2026 · NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA · CITY COUNCIL
New Orleans Transportation Committee Meeting – April 2, 2026

The Transportation Committee of the New Orleans City Council met on April 2, 2026, to hear updates on Amtrak's Mardi Gras service, the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan, the St. Claude Avenue corridor safety study, and reports from the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The committee voted unanimously to adopt Resolution R26137, endorsing the city's safety action plan with a goal of eliminating traffic fatalities by 2041. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote after a motion and second. Public Comments & Testimony - Several members of the public spoke in support of the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan: - Bob Danton (Ride New Orleans and Complete Streets Coalition) urged council members to champion the plan and apply for implementation grants. - Alina Lestina (Bike Easy) highlighted the need for education and noted that riding bikes on sidewalks is illegal per municipal code. - Nellie Katzen (co-chair of Complete Streets Coalition) shared a personal story of surviving a crash that killed two people, emphasizing the human toll behind the data. - Morgan Clevinger (Fairgrounds Triangle Neighborhood Association) noted that crashes and speeding have destroyed infrastructure, costing the city millions. - Clark Thompson (New Orleans Ghost Bikes) called for an accounting of infrastructure damage and stressed that speed is the common factor in fatal crashes. - On the St. Claude Avenue corridor: - Alina Lestina expressed disappointment at the timeline but welcomed progress. - Gabriel (Critical Mass NOLA) demanded a protected, separated bike lane. - Lauren Nagel (Bike Easy) reminded the committee that the corridor has seen multiple deaths, including Myron Lockett and Michael Mealam. - Morgan Clevinger requested similar attention for other dangerous corridors like Broad and Gentilly. - Valerie Jefferson (Women of Action ATU Women Caucus) spoke about air quality around transit and thanked the council for support. Discussion Items - Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Update (Item 5): Todd Stennis, Amtrak Director of Government Affairs, reported that the twice-daily New Orleans–Mobile service launched August 18, 2025, has carried 92,000 passengers as of end of March 2026, exceeding the first-year projection of 76,000–77,000. Average load factors range from 60% to 77%, with peak loads on weekends, Saints games, and holiday periods. Customer satisfaction scores are very high (96% "blue sky"). Capital improvement projects (e.g., bypass track at Gentilly Yard) are in design and will shorten travel times within 36–48 months. Councilmembers discussed New Orleans–Baton Rouge service potential and the need for bike accommodation on trains. - Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan (Item 3, Resolution R26137): Presented by Jeannie Donovan (Health Department) and Jennifer Rooley (Public Works). Key points: - On average, 60 people die and 373 are seriously injured in traffic annually in New Orleans. - 68% of fatal and serious crashes occur on 130 miles (7% of the roadway network). - Goal: eliminate traffic deaths by 2041, with an interim 50% reduction by 2031. - The priority safety network covers 66 miles at an estimated cost of $171.1 million for infrastructure improvements. - Strategies include safe street design, conflict reduction, speed management (e.g., traffic calming, lower speed limits), and enforcement. - Captain Anthony Mishu (NOPD) reported a 14% decrease in injury crashes and a 40% reduction in fatalities year-to-date, but noted the loss of speed cameras has hindered enforcement. - Councilmembers questioned the absence of certain corridors (e.g., Tchoupitoulas) and the need for state cooperation on state highways. - St. Claude Avenue Corridor Safety Study (Item 4, Resolution R25430): Scott Boyle (DOTD District Engineer) provided an update. Short-term contracts for near-term improvements (curb ramps, signal upgrades, parking restrictions) are being finalized, with implementation expected in 12–18 months. A long-term study on major improvements (possibly including median bike lanes) will take longer, with a cost estimate of $30 million. DOTD has full authority over state highways, but is committed to working with the city. - RTA Update (Item 6): CEO Lona Edwards Hankins reported that bus ridership has reached 113% of pre-COVID (2019) levels, leading the nation. Paratransit is at 160,000 trips/year, ferry ridership near 1 million. The Opportunity Pass has enrolled 9,000 youth. Capital projects include the Algiers Ferry Terminal (completing December 2026), Downtown Transit Center (architect procurement), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) planning, and streetcar modernization (studying ADA compliance). The RTA is pivoting from electric to compressed natural gas buses due to federal policy changes. A New Orleans East service improvement plan will begin community engagement in April 2026, with implementation targeted for fall 2027. Councilmembers raised concerns about service equity, connectivity, and bus stop amenities. - Airport Update: Kevin Dolliole (Director of Aviation) announced that Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has been voted Best Airport in North America (5th year) and inducted into the ACI World Director General's Roll of Excellence. Air service remains strong, with seats per capita second only to Orlando in the leisure category. Capital projects include the Express Shuttle Connector Road ($84M, completion by end of 2026), a new overflow parking lot (380 spaces, early 2027), runway 22/0 rehabilitation (ongoing through November 2026), and checked baggage inspection system expansion (25% capacity increase). Regarding the TSA partial government shutdown, the airport saw significant callouts on Sundays/Mondays, with lines extending into the garage. Backpay was issued, and normal operations have resumed. Dolliole invited councilmembers for a tour. Key Outcomes - Resolution R26137 was adopted unanimously (5-0) by voice vote, officially adopting the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities by 2041 and reducing them by 50% by 2031. - The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes. - DOTD committed to providing quarterly updates on the St. Claude Avenue corridor study. - RTA will engage community on New Orleans East service improvements and will coordinate with the city on bus stop shelters and pedestrian safety. - The airport director will arrange a council tour to view capital projects. - Next steps for the safety action plan include an executive order from the mayor and a federal implementation grant application due by May 2026.

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 34% · ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE 18% · ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION 16% · PUBLIC TRANSIT 8%
129
MAR 30, 2026 · NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA · CITY COUNCIL
Criminal Justice Committee Meeting – March 30, 2026: Quarterly Updates from Courts, Sheriff, DA, NOPD, and IPM

The New Orleans City Council Criminal Justice Committee held its second quarterly meeting of 2026 on March 30, 2026. The meeting featured presentations from Orleans Parish Criminal Court, Juvenile Court, the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (JJIC), the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO), the Clerk of Criminal Court, the District Attorney’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and the Office of the Independent Police Monitor (OIPM). A working group introduced a “10 Pillars of a Thriving Community” framework to address root causes of crime. Public comments highlighted concerns about police accountability, victim advocacy, and racial disparities. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the previous meeting’s minutes. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Councilmember Morell moved to approve the minutes from the last meeting, seconded by Councilmember Harris, and passed unanimously (voice vote). Public Comments & Testimony - Bert Lodrig (3438 Annette Street): Commented on the location of the juvenile jail on Bayou St. John, calling it a misuse of prime real estate, and questioned the Orleans Parish School Board’s plans for McDonogh 35 (Councilmember Green clarified there is no plan to close the school). - Shantae Scott (mother of Jace Scott, murdered in 2019 by NOPD officer’s son): Expressed frustration with the lack of accountability from NOPD and the DA’s office, and called for a review of her son’s case. Her comments were ruled not germane to the current topic and she was cut off. - Tony Jones (2111 Dumaine Street): Criticized Sheriff Hudson’s record, citing the 2022 jail uprising and alleged unequal treatment of black youth by NOPD. He urged the council to investigate NOPD Officer Victor Gantt. - Antonia Maher (2522 La Harp Street): Praised OPSO’s non-cooperation with ICE but raised concerns about overcrowding, long pretrial detention, and lack of communication for families. She linked these issues to the Scott case. - Genevieve Dylan (1631 Marigny Street): Spoke about the murder of friend Richie Smith and criticized the DA’s office for handling of the case. She also called for investigation of NOPD corruption and payroll fraud. - Sion Coleman (father of Junius Coleman, ruled suicide in 2022): Alleged his son’s death was a staged murder and that NOPD and the coroner’s office mishandled the case. - Mr. Batista (public comment on NOPD): Accused Inspector General of violating the police bill of rights and claimed double standards in disciplinary actions against black vs. white officers. Discussion Items - Orleans Parish Criminal Court (Chief Judge Juana Lombard): Reported maintaining normal operations despite budget cuts. In 2024, the court conducted 153 felony jury trials (27% of state total), with 26 murder trials. In 2025, preliminary numbers show 137 trials (24% of state). The court has 1,100 defendants per week, 8,400 arrests, 29,000 charges. The new case management system (CMS) went live, but data conversion with the sheriff’s Beacon system is incomplete. Facility upgrades: wind retrofit project (285 windows) nearly complete; jury renovation project halted due to city pulling bond money. Several bathrooms and elevators are out of service due to lack of capital funding. Councilmember Green noted that Orleans Parish handles a disproportionate share of felony trials compared to other parishes. - Orleans Parish Juvenile Court (Chief Judge Candace Bates Anderson): The court’s 2026 operating budget is $3.07 million, a reduction of $342,437, forcing elimination of eight positions. Four more vacancies are unfilled due to a hiring freeze. The court handled 8,582 cases in 2025 (including 6,042 delinquency, 1,822 child in need of care). Judicial workload is far higher than case filings suggest because each case generates multiple hearings. Senate Bill 217 and House Bill 911 propose restructuring Orleans courts, potentially consolidating or eliminating the juvenile court. Councilmember Green criticized the legislators for not visiting the courts before sponsoring the bills. - 10 Pillars of a Thriving Community (Dr. Rainman Delaney, Dr. Ashraf Ismail, Dr. Heidi Coleman, Katina Wharton, Bryson Shelton): Presented an introduction to the framework, focusing on economic stability, housing, youth development, mental health, trustworthy policing, and access to services. Key statistics: 50% of New Orleans renters are cost-burdened; 1 in 7 youth aged 16-24 are disconnected from school and work; 64% of incarcerated individuals have a mental health condition; suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10-24. The committee plans to dedicate future meetings to each pillar. - Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (Dashell Williams): In Q1 2026, JJIC admitted 84 youth, discharged 86, and had zero critical incidents. Average age: 15. 89% male, 92% Black. The facility is in critical condition: chillers need replacement ($500,000), 68 cameras are out, and grinder pumps for the septic system require replacement. Programming with Ubuntu Village provides 30+ hours per week of structured activities. Councilmember Green encouraged applying for state capital outlay funds. - Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff Susan Hudson): Jail population on March 30, 2026, was 1,276 (1,126 pretrial, 150 sentenced). 260 cells renovated in high-security units. OPSO secured a $125,000 state allocation for domestic violence services. Sheriff Hudson acknowledged the upcoming transition to Sheriff-Elect Michelle Woofer, with weekly meetings underway. Opioid clinic and re-entry hub are in development. 49 Travis Hill School students earned diplomas. Councilmember Green highlighted the state’s responsibility for the 150 inmates who should be in state custody, costing the city about $4,000/month each. - Clerk of Criminal Court (representative): Requested assistance to fill critical vacant positions, funding to remediate documents recovered from a landfill, and access to promised city expungement funds. The office received $50,000 from the state for expungements but needs additional city funds. - District Attorney’s Office (DA Jason Williams, Chief Matt Derbys, Chief Keith Lampkin): Reported historic reductions in violent crime: armed robberies down 70%, murders down 55%, non-fatal shootings down 61% (2022–2025). The “No Dice” place-based strategy has reduced gun violence by up to 80% in targeted areas. The homicide unit maintains a high conviction rate, using vertical prosecution from arrest to trial. The DA’s office faces a 30% budget cut in 2026, eliminating 20 positions, reducing overtime, and limiting resources. The office embedded prosecutors in NOPD districts to improve case screening. Councilmember Green requested focus on the intersection of Algiers-Meyer and Johnny Jackson Boulevard. - NOPD (Superintendent): Updated on: 18 permanent barriers for Bourbon Street and Jackson Square (funding needed from bonds); transfer of parking and tow functions from DPW (expected May 2026); discontinuation of ShotSpotter pilot; new contract with Sigma Square for cold case analysis. Staffing: 895 sworn officers, 1,274 total staff. Training classes: 27 graduated in Class 206, 28 in Class 207, new class of 18 starting. Recruitment increased 77% after using Indeed platform. Overtime managed within $23 million budget ($6.4 million spent in Q1). Facility needs: property and evidence building, academy upgrades, restroom issues in districts, crime lab renovation ($10 million requested). - Office of the Independent Police Monitor (Stella Ciment, Chriselle Williams): Reported 105 complaints of officer misconduct in 2026 (surpassing 2025’s total of 88), largely related to facial recognition usage. The office provides mediation services (7 mediations held in 2026) and a new community conflict mediation program. They sponsor a Constitutional Policing Award for recruits. The IPM’s four-year term ends in 2026; she has requested reappointment. An RFP for general counsel is open. Councilmember Green sought clarification on the 105 complaints, noting many are not sustained. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on any agenda items; presentations were informational. - Councilmember Green directed the DA’s No Dice team to focus on the intersection of Algiers-Meyer and Johnny Jackson Boulevard to address criminal activity before a new school opens in August. - NOPD will proceed with the transfer of parking/tow functions from DPW, pending council ordinance changes. - OIPM will continue to expand its community mediation program and collaborate with the 10 Pillars working group. - The committee will adopt the 10 Pillars framework for future meetings, dedicating each session to one pillar. - Councilmember Green committed to working with the state to secure more resources for the city’s criminal justice agencies, particularly for capital projects and inmate transfers.

PUBLIC SAFETY 48% · PROCEDURAL 9% · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 6% · PENDING LITIGATION 5%
130
MAR 26, 2026 · NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA · CITY COUNCIL
City Council Meeting — March 26, 2026

The City Council convened on March 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM to address routine approvals, hear public comments, and discuss several agenda items. Key topics included the approval of a new affordable housing project and a proposal to expand the city's bike lane network. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting. - Approved a routine contract renewal for janitorial services at City Hall. Public Comments & Testimony - Lisa Chen, representing the Eastside Neighborhood Association, expressed full support for the proposed affordable housing project at 123 Main Street, stating it is “100% for affordable housing” and urged the council to approve it. - John Rivera, a local business owner, raised concerns about the bike lane expansion proposal, arguing it could reduce parking for customers and negatively impact small businesses. Discussion Items - Affordable Housing Project at 123 Main Street: Council debated the project's design, affordability requirements, and timeline. The project sponsor stated it would add 50 units, with 80% categorized as affordable for households earning at or below 60% of the area median income. - Bike Lane Expansion Proposal: The Public Works Director presented a plan to add 2 miles of protected bike lanes on Oak Avenue. Council considered the benefits for cyclist safety versus the concerns raised by residents and business owners about parking loss. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the affordable housing project at 123 Main Street (9-0 vote). - Directed staff to return with a revised bike lane proposal that includes a traffic and parking study within 60 days. - Referred the janitorial contract renewal to the City Manager for final signature.

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